With (Delone) Carter's graduation in May, the role of the starter fell onto Bailey. It is his first chance to be the guy for the Orange.

Naturally, questions pour in as the team readies itself to compete for the Big East title. Can a running back this small possibly carry an offense? Can he stay healthy and endure the pounding of a full 12-game season? Can he be productive enough to lead a Carter-less rushing attack?

"I know I can play with these guys, for one," Bailey said. "But just proving everybody wrong and being in the underdog role, it's something I've been in my whole life."

... "A lot of people are not going to expect him to come up the middle and hit you in the mouth," Carter said. "And Antwon will definitely do that."